KLF1 regulates BCL11A expression and γ- to β-globin gene switching

We show that knockdown of KLF1 in human and mouse adult erythroid progenitors markedly reduces BCL11A levels and increases human γ-globin/β-globin expression ratios. These results suggest that KLF1 controls globin gene switching by directly activating β-globin and indirectly repressing γ-globin gene expression. Controlled knockdown of KLF1 in adult erythroid progenitors may provide a method to activate fetal hemoglobin expression in individuals with β-thalassemia or sickle cell disease.

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